| Hugh McAnally was the son of John and Margaret McAnally. Hugh was born in Ballymena about 1882.
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| There are various incarnations of the surname. The census has both McAnalley and McNally. The CWGC uses McAnally, and his headstone is as such.
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| The 1901 census lists Hugh as age 22, living with his mother at house 39 in Galgorm Street, Ballymena, County Antrim. Hugh was a general labourer.
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| Hugh married Sara McKeown on 17th November 1902 in the district of Ballymena. They had at least three children.
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| Known family: Hugh McAnally, Sarah McAnally, Joseph McAnally (born 18th July 1903), Margaret McAnally (born 4th August 1907), Lizzie McAnally (born 17th August 1909).
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| The 1911 census lists Hugh as age 30, living with his family at house 39 in Galgorm Street, Ballymena, Antrim.
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| Prior to his enlistment he was in the employment of Mr H Lancashire, Church Street, Ballymena.
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| Hugh McAnally enlisted in Ballymena. He was amongst the first batch of recruits from Ballymena to join the Irish Brigade in November 1914.
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| After training in Fermoy, he was transferred to Aldershot and then went to France with a draft on 17th December 1915.
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| Private McAnally was about six months in France where he was promoted to Lance-Corporal.
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| Lance Corporal Hugh McAnally was serving with the 6th Battalion of the Connaught Rangers when he was wounded in stomach, but not evacuated at first. He was given duties such as bringing up ammunition.
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| His health deteriorated and he was eventually transferred to hospital in Scotland.
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| A wire reached Mrs McNally in Ballymena from the commanding officer stating that her husband was seriously ill and asking her to go over to see him. She went to Scotland, but it is unclear if she got there in time.
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| Lance Corporal Hugh McAnally died of septicaemia on Thursday 23rd March 1916.in Bellahouston Military Hospital, Glasgow. He was 34 years old.
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| From the Ballymena Observer dated 24th March 24 1916 - Lance Corporal Hugh McNally:-
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| Our readers will be sorry to note this week the death of Lance Corporal Hugh McNally of the 6th Battalion Connaught Rangers, Irish Brigade, which sad event took place in Bellahouston Military Hospital, Glasgow. Lance Corporal McNally was amongst the first batch of recruits from Ballymena to join the Irish Brigade in November 1914. After training in Fermoy, he was transferred to Aldershot and then went to France with a draft. He was about six months in France where he was promoted to lance-corporal and was invalided to the hospital in Glasgow some time ago suffering from an internal illness. A wire reached Mrs McNally, who resides at Galgorm Street, on Monday night from the commanding officer stating that her husband was seriously ill and asking her to go over to see him. She crossed to Scotland on Wednesday night and the sad news reached Ballymena yesterday morning (March 23). Lance Corporal McNally was a son-in-law of Mr Phil McKeown, Castle Street and he leaves his wife and three sons to mourn his loss. Prior to his enlistment he was in the employment of Mr H. Lancashire, Church Street.
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| Apparently, when his coffin arrived home in Ballymena his widow wanted to see him. The coffin was opened and it was the wrong body. The next day correct body was located was conferred home.
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| Lance Corporal Hugh McAnally is buried in St Mary’s (Aughnahoy) Cemetery, Ahoghill Road, Portglenone.
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| Lance Corporal McNally was a son-in-law of Mr Phil McKeown, Castle Street, Ballymena.
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| The CWGC record Lance Corporal Hugh McAnally as the son of John and Margaret McAnally of Cullybackey, Co. Antrim. He is also recorded as the husband of Sarah McAnally of Railway Street Place, Ballymena, County Antrim.
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